Adventures in Metalsmithing : My First Ring!

I am proud to say I finally finished my ring! I call it my ‘eyeball’ ring, because…well, it kinda looks like one. (Note to self: next time, use a smaller stone!).

I started out with a sheet of silver and a piece of thick wire.

And here’s where I was when I talked about it on my last post:

Since then, I’ve added the cabochon (it’s a beautiful stone called sodalite) and the actual ring. I would’ve finished earlier, but I was clumsy and broke my cabochon when I was setting it (I dropped it on the floor).

The best part about the ring is that when people ask, I can say I actually made it! As a jewelery designer, I struggle with that term. I design and put together all pieces for my etsy store, but I don’t physically sit down and fabricate the materials. I don’t cast the charms, and I don’t pound the metal to make any of my pieces. And I’ve been wanting to. It’d be great to be able to say I made every piece of this necklace or those pair of earrings!

Anyhow, I know I’m still starting off in metalsmithing, but I’m looking forward to learning more!